SAFF Women’s Championship 2022: India vs Maldives | Will India continue their winning streak?

India take on Maldives on Saturday in their second SAFF Women’s Championship 2022 game at the Dashrath Rangasala Stadium in Kathmandu, Nepal. 

The big picture

The Blue Tigresses started the SAFF Women’s Championship with a comfortable 3-0 win over arch-rivals Pakistan. Constant pressure in the first half from India forced multiple defensive errors from the Pakistan defence. As a result, Pakistan conceded an own goal in the 21st minute through a defensive mistake from Maria Khan. The defending champions then doubled their lead within two minutes, an excellent pass from Anju Tamang converted by Dangmei Grace. A late goal from Soumya Guguloth in injury time ended Pakistan’s misery with a 3-0 scoreline. Counter-attacks led by Pakistani forward Nadia Khan were well negotiated by the Indian centre-backs Ashalata Devi and Manisa Panna.

India and Maldives have competed on five occasions previously, with India dominating the fixture by winning four out of those five games. India defeated Maldives in their previous tie, which came in 2019 during the South Asian Games, with a 5-0 scoreline.

Maldives lost their first SAFF Women’s Championship 2022 game against Bangladesh with a 3-0 score. India look favourites ahead of the game. Suren Chettri and Co are expected to have another dominating outing on Saturday. Both sides will most likely remain unchanged. 

Match details

Match: India vs Maldives
Venue: Dashrath Rangasala Stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal
Date: 10 September 2022
Time: 05:30 PM IST
Where to watch: Elevensports.com

Probable playing XIs

India: Aditi Chauhan (GK), Ashalata Devi (C), Manisa Panna, Ratanbala Devi, Sandhiya Ranganathan, Ranjana Chanu, Anju Tamang, Renu, Dangmei Grace, Naorem Priyangka Devi, Soumya Guguloth

Maldives: Aminath Leeza (C & GK), Aishath Raveena, Fathimath Theeba, Shahula Thaufeeq, Fathimath Saina, Mariyam Noora, Hawwa Haneefa, Shahfa Shiuth, Raniya Ibrahim, Maeesha Abdul Hannan, Fathimath Inaasha Adam

Players to watch out for

India: Dangmei Grace, Soumya Guguloth
Maldives: Maeesha Abdul Hannan, Fathimath Inaasha Adam